A List of Santa Ynez Wedding Venues

The Santa Ynez Valley in Southern California is mostly known for the exquisite wines that it brings to the world. In addition to those wines, there are also some truly stunning Santa Ynez wedding venues. Deep in the rolling hills, venues are surrounded by vineyards, wildlife, cattle, and even private bodies of water. There are incredible sights to see and many ways to spoil your guests on your wedding day. We created this list of Santa Ynez wedding venues and hope that it helps you find the perfect venue for your wedding.

Alisal Ranch

Alisal Ranch is one of the hidden gems in the area and we are pleased to include it on this Santa Ynez wedding venues list. The ranch has over 10,000 acres of land and multiple ceremony and reception areas. Depending on which area you choose, you may find yourself traveling 10-15 minutes through the grassy hills to arrive at your destination. The drive offers incredible views of the private lake, hills scattered with majestic oaks, and many chances to see wildlife. 

Alisal Ranch is unique in that there are many cabins and guest houses for your loved ones to stay in on the property. It’s the perfect place for both intimate gatherings and large weddings. There are also many activities to do at the ranch around the festivities. These can include horseback riding, hiking, sightseeing, and lounging by the pool.

Fess Parker Inn & Winery

Fess Parker, like Alisal Ranch, has multiple ceremony and reception locations available throughout their properties. The Inn is located in Los Olivos and is best for intimate gatherings. Most couples decide to book the whole inn for their guests. And this lets them continue the celebrations through the weekend with all of their favorite people. 

The winery is about a 15-minute drive from the inn deep in the rolling hills that make up the area. In this post, we’ve written about the multiple locations to see at the winery, however, our favorite is Rodney’s Vineyard. We had the pleasure of photographing the grand opening of Rodney’s Vineyard so it will also hold a special place in our hearts. Some of our favorite things about it are the pond that the venue is designed next to, the never-ending rows of vines, and the panoramic views of the mountains – which during California Poppy season, can light up the hillside with their orange colors.

Zaca Creek Ranch

Zaca Creek Ranch is another unique location on this list of Santa Ynez wedding venues. As the barn comes into view it’s made abundantly clear that the ranch is essentially like a blank canvas. A place where you can make it uniquely your own and no two events will be the same.

Because it’s a working ranch and the property is so large, the venue is enclosed by a fence. This fence keeps the cattle out and your loved ones safe during the celebrations. Special authorization is given to the couple and their photographers to venture beyond the fence to take photos within the rolling hills of the Santa Ynez Vallery. At Zaca Creek Ranch, the sky’s the limit and the possibilities are near the same, endless. 

Whispering Rose Ranch

Like, the ranch before, Whispering Rose Ranch is a working ranch which means there are permitted places for you to stay within. Each of these spaces is beautiful and unique to the venue. The estate was built on a hilltop overlooking the ranch. And there are two large rooms for each side of the wedding party to utilize before the day begins. 

Additionally, some of the most beautiful couple’s portraits are taken by the estate overlooking the hills and celebrations below. The ceremony can be designed almost anywhere and our favorite receptions are typically along the tree-lined driveway. These trees allow for the couple to decorate with sparkly lights for an intimate and relaxed al-fresco atmosphere. The ranch is also a gorgeous location for engagement photos!

Sunstone Winery

The Sunstone Winery and the Villa at Sunstone might just be our favorite place in the world. This Santa Ynez wedding venue is world-renowned, and it’s built with reclaimed materials which brings a little bit of France to the Southern California countryside. If you’d like to plan a destination wedding, but don’t want to travel to the other side of the world, this venue is a must-see. 

The villa is built on a hilltop and the views are as gorgeous as the villa itself. The driveway leads up a hill past rows and rows of vineyards to a section lined with olive trees. And there are vineyards all around and the most beautiful courtyard for an intimate reception. As a result, it’s a true testament to the incredible photos you’ll have here of your wedding day. Just this last year, we were able to photograph an editorial at the Sunstone Winery, and ever since, we’ve been longing and dreaming to go back. 

Roblar Farm

The Roblar Farm is a beautiful Santa Ynez wedding venue with plenty of space to celebrate your wedding day! There is a beautiful estate on the property for you and nine guests to stay in. It’s the perfect size for a wedding party or a place to plan your reception dinner. The recently renovated luxury ranch style home also features an infinity pool and hot tub with stunning panoramic views of the mountains. 

The ceremony space is within walking distance from the estate and takes place in or in front of a large barn that you can spruce up and decorate to your heart’s content. Roblar Farm is a wonderfully private and relaxing place to celebrate the beginning of your legacy of love.

Roblar Winery

Next door to the Roblar Farm is one of the premier vineyard Santa Ynez wedding venues. The Roblar Winery also has recent renovations and is more inviting and comfortable than ever before. This venue prides itself on combining incredible wine with delectable foods that your loved ones won’t soon forget. If it’s been your dream to plan an al-fresco reception under the stars and to dine by candlelight as a warm fire roars nearby, then look no further than Roblar Winery. 

One more note about this list of Santa Ynez Wedding Venues

If you’re recently engaged and planning an intimate wedding or elopement or you had to move your wedding date, check out our list of favorite Santa Barbara micro-wedding venues. Additionally, if you’re looking for a garden venue for your wedding day, check out this post of garden wedding venues near Santa Barbara.